Published: February 17, 2025 -- Channel 4 is to launch a major new competition format show to spotlight the country’s undiscovered brainboxes.

It is estimated that there are thousands of people in the UK with the brains of a genius, from all walks of life and backgrounds – who don’t even know it. Secret Genius will see Alan Carr and Susie Dent test Britain’s brainpower like never before to uncover the country’s most gifted and unsung minds.

Produced by Mothership TV and GroupM Motion Entertainment, and co-commissioned by Channel 4 Documentaries and Factual Entertainment and Entertainment teams, this six-part series will see people from each of the four regions of the UK come to take part in immersive and ambitious challenges that will test all aspects of their brain power. Celebrating all things cerebral, Alan and Susie will explain the tasks and games -no matter how complex and mind-bending- and encourage viewers to play along and find out if they too have what it takes to be a genius.

Made in consultation with British Mensa, the series will be an uplifting and surprising journey of self-discovery for those taking part and will challenge us all to rethink what it means to be a genius.

Executive Producers: Kelly Webb-Lamb, Jon Cahn, Melanie Darlaston

Casting Executive: Mel Walden

Series Producer: Neil Rubin-Smith

Alan Carr says:

'I have never ever been called a genius believe it or not, but I am fascinated by those people who do get labelled genius. Is it a gift, a curse, or a burden? I am so excited about ’Secret Genius', it’s going to be absolutely fascinating not only finding out what makes these people tick but also challenging stereotypes and prejudices along the way.’

Susie Dent says:

'I’m delighted to be part of the search for Britain’s undiscovered geniuses alongside Alan. The thought of meeting extraordinary individuals—who may have been overlooked in the past or may not realise the full extent of their talents—is hugely exciting!'

Kelly Webb-Lamb, CEO of Mothership TV says:

"I’ve now done a tonne of IQ tests... and can confirm I am definitely NOT a genius. But I can’t wait to find out who is, I think we’re all in for some surprises. Really looking forward to making this series with the team at C4 and at Motion – and am so excited to have Alan and Susie on board."

Melanie Darlaston, Head of Factual (UK) at GroupM Motion Entertainment says:

"It’s a pleasure to be collaborating with Mothership on this new series, searching for all those hidden bright sparks who have never got the recognition they deserve. The play along elements will no doubt see the audience at home competing to prove who has the most impressive neurons!"

Madonna Benjamin, Commissioning Editor at Channel 4 says:

"We’re thrilled to be making this exciting new competition format with Alan, Susie and Mothership. It promises to be warm, fun and full of surprises– with lots of brain-teasing play along too – celebrating the most diverse and gifted cast of British brains ever seen on TV."